Surgical specialty

Reconstructive surgery.

Reconstructive surgery is the historical foundation of plastic surgery. Long before modern aesthetic surgery, specialists worked with patients who had lost part of their body to war, cancer, burns, or trauma. That mindset, those techniques, and the standards of expertise remain the foundation for everything we do.

When surgery is part of a longer recovery.

Patients seeking reconstructive surgery are often within a larger process: concluding cancer treatment, healing after trauma, or living with a congenital condition. Our role is therefore not only surgical technique — it is coordination with oncology, trauma, pediatrics, psychology, and at times rehabilitation.

We treat every reconstructive case as a multi-stage plan that may span months or years. There is no "quick reconstruction" — and this is communicated clearly to patients and families from the first consultation.

Types of reconstructive surgery.

Post-cancer breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction for patients who have undergone or are scheduled for mastectomy as part of cancer treatment. May be performed immediately (at the same operation as the cancer surgery) or delayed (after completion of adjuvant therapy). Selection depends on cancer type, adjuvant treatment plan, and patient preference.

Suitable for

  • Patients who have undergone or are scheduled for mastectomy
  • A preference for reconstruction with implants or autologous tissue
  • Significant asymmetry after unilateral mastectomy

Technique

Two main pathways. (1) Implant-based: placement of a tissue expander followed by exchange to a permanent implant. (2) Autologous tissue: flap-based reconstruction using DIEP, TRAM, or latissimus dorsi tissue. Selection depends on body habitus, prior scars, and the broader treatment plan.

Coordination

Close coordination with oncology and radiation oncology

Inpatient stay

2–5 nights inpatient depending on technique

Reconstruction after skin cancer excision

Reconstruction of skin defects following excision of skin cancer (BCC, SCC, melanoma). The objective is restoration of function and appearance while preserving oncologic clearance as the highest priority.

Suitable for

  • Patients after excision of facial, scalp, or sun-exposed skin cancers
  • Large defects requiring flap, graft, or tissue expansion techniques

Technique

Selection depends on defect size and location: primary closure, local flaps, regional flaps, or skin grafting. In some cases, staged tissue expansion is required.

Coordination

Coordinated with dermatologic oncology or surgical oncology

Inpatient stay

Variable

Burn reconstruction

Reconstructive surgery for patients past the acute phase of burn injury. The goals are scar contracture release, restoration of motion, and improvement of appearance. This is a multi-stage process spanning months to years.

Suitable for

  • Scar contracture limiting motion
  • Hypertrophic or thick burn scars affecting function or appearance
  • Tissue loss requiring soft-tissue restoration

Technique

Scar release and revision using specialized techniques (Z-plasty, W-plasty); skin grafting; local and regional flaps; tissue expansion; laser adjunct in selected cases.

Coordination

Typically staged 6–12 months apart

Inpatient stay

Variable per stage

Congenital deformity reconstruction

Reconstruction of common congenital surface anomalies: prominent or underdeveloped ears, minor facial anomalies, syndactyly, and other structural surface variations. Complex deformities (cleft lip and palate, large craniofacial deformities) are referred to specialized centers.

Suitable for

  • Children over six years old with prominent ears or simple syndactyly
  • Adults seeking correction of minor congenital findings
  • Coordination with pediatrics when relevant

Technique

Diagnosis-specific; individualized planning per case

Coordination

Coordination with pediatrics, genetics, or psychology where indicated

Inpatient stay

Variable

Trauma reconstruction

Reconstruction of the face, hand, or other regions following major trauma (motor-vehicle injury, occupational injury). May include facial bone, soft tissue, peripheral nerve, and scar reconstruction.

Suitable for

  • Facial post-traumatic deformities requiring structural restoration
  • Large scars after emergency closure requiring revision
  • Tissue loss requiring grafting or flap coverage

Technique

Planning follows comprehensive evaluation; commonly multi-stage; multidisciplinary

Coordination

Coordinated with orthopedic trauma, maxillofacial, and neurology services

Inpatient stay

Variable

Insurance and financial considerations.

A portion of reconstructive procedures may be covered partially or fully by health insurance, depending on the indication and classification. Operations with clear medical indications (post-cancer reconstruction, post-trauma, functionally significant congenital deformities) are commonly considered. Purely cosmetic procedures generally fall outside insurance scope.

Our administrative team supports the preparation of documentation and communication with insurers. This is not a guarantee of payment outcome — that decision rests with the insurer — but we supply the necessary clinical documentation.

The initial consultation.

For reconstructive surgery, the initial consultation is longer and more collaborative than a typical aesthetic consultation. We review prior treatment records (operative reports, pathology, imaging), discuss adjuvant treatment plans where relevant, and sometimes request related-specialty consultation before recommending a surgical plan.

If you are currently in cancer treatment or have recently completed it, please bring: a summary of your case, recent imaging, a current medication list, and the contact information of your treating physician. We coordinate directly when needed.

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